Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Park

Located in North Anston (20 minutes by car south of Sheffield city centre), the Butterfly House combines a warm tropical greenhouse where exotic butterflies land on visitors with outdoor falconry demonstrations and a small farm. Hundreds of butterflies breed on-site and fly freely in the heated greenhouse, often landing on exposed skin or clothing. Daily falconry displays show owls, hawks, and eagles in action. The farm section has rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals children can handle. It's a hybrid experience blending nature observation with interactive handling. Best for All ages, particularly good for nature photography. This is a easy activity lasting 3 hours. Group size: families of any size. You meet at Butterfly House entrance, North Anston. Key highlights: Tropical greenhouse with 50+ free-flying butterfly species landing on visitors, Year-round warm climate (22-24°C) with lush tropical plants, Hourly falconry displays featuring eagles, hawks, and owls.

Price: £12 adults, £10 children

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: families of any size

Minimum age: 2+

Best for: All ages, particularly good for nature photography

Best time: Late morning (10am-12pm) for warmest greenhouse conditions and most active butterflies; calm days for best falconry displays; avoid windy weather as outdoor shows cancel.

Meeting point: Butterfly House entrance, North Anston

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

First 15 min Reception and orientation - Receive greenhouse entry instructions; learn butterfly behavior and safe handling guidelines; pick photography advice sheet.

15-75 min Tropical greenhouse visit - Enter warm, humid greenhouse (22-24°C year-round) filled with flowering plants and free-flying butterflies from 50+ species; expect butterflies to land on you.

75-105 min Falconry display and outdoor grounds - Hourly falconry shows (check times at entrance) show birds of prey flying and hunting demonstrations; outdoor farm area with animals.

105-150 min Farm animal handling and gift shop - Supervised handling of rabbits, guinea pigs, and other farm animals; gift shop sells butterfly merchandise £5-20; cafe serves hot drinks and light snacks.

150-180 min Repeat greenhouse or departure - Many visitors return to the greenhouse for more butterfly photography or settle at outdoor picnic area.

The whole experience takes 3 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Butterfly House entrance, North Anston.

• Tropical greenhouse with 50+ free-flying butterfly species landing on visitors
• Year-round warm climate (22-24°C) with lush tropical plants
• Hourly falconry displays featuring eagles, hawks, and owls
• Farm area with rabbits and guinea pigs for supervised handling
• Extensive photograph opportunities with native and exotic insects
• Accessibility: Greenhouse wheelchair accessible with ramps; farm area mostly flat but uneven ground in places; accessible toilet on site; staff assist with mobility needs.

What is included: Entry to tropical greenhouse, Entry to falconry display area, Entry to farm animal area, Access to outdoor grounds.

Not included: Animal feed (not available), Food and drinks (except vending machine and cafe purchases), Photography coaching (basic tips only). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Camera with macro lens for butterfly close-ups, Bright-colored clothing to attract butterflies, Closed-toe shoes for farm area safety, Small change for cafe (coffee £2-3, snacks £2-5). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Late morning (10am-12pm) for warmest greenhouse conditions and most active butterflies; calm days for best falconry displays; avoid windy weather as outdoor shows cancel..

Tip: 20 minutes by car from Sheffield centre

Tip: Wear bright colors to attract butterflies

Accessibility: Greenhouse wheelchair accessible with ramps; farm area mostly flat but uneven ground in places; accessible toilet on site; staff assist with mobility needs..

Operator: Butterfly House Ltd | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: 01909 569416

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Peak District National Park (25 min drive walk)

This activity is run by Butterfly House Ltd.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival; non-refundable if cancelled within 24 hours..

Accessibility: Greenhouse wheelchair accessible with ramps; farm area mostly flat but uneven ground in places; accessible toilet on site; staff assist with mobility needs..

Best time to go: Late morning (10am-12pm) for warmest greenhouse conditions and most active butterflies; calm days for best falconry displays; avoid windy weather as outdoor shows cancel..

Will butterflies land on me in the greenhouse?

Likely yes. Butterflies are attracted to bright colors, warmth, and movement. Wear bright clothes (reds, oranges, yellows) to increase chances of landings. Stay still when a butterfly approaches. They're harmless and their feet feel like a light tickle.

How far is the Butterfly House from Sheffield city centre?

The Butterfly House is in North Anston, approximately 20 minutes by car south of Sheffield centre (about 12 miles). Parking is free on site. Buses run from Sheffield but take 45-60 minutes. Driving is more practical for families.

Are the falconry displays every day?

Yes, falconry displays run daily at scheduled times (typically 11am, 1pm, 3pm). Displays are outdoors, so cancellations occur only during high winds or heavy rain. Check the website or call ahead if weather is poor.